§ Mr. D. REIDasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Passenger Transport Board have entered into a contract with the Associated Equipment Company, Limited, for the supply by that company of 90 per cent. of the board's requirements of road vehicles for a period of 10 years; whether a copy of this contract will be made public; and, if not, whether any information is available as to the class and description and number of vehicles to be supplied to the board under the contract?
Mr. STANLEYI am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that they have entered into a contract with the Associated Equipment Company for the supply of motor omnibus chassis and spare parts. The board do not propose to publish the contract; but I am informed that it is substantially in accordance with the pro forma contract to which reference888W is made in Section 6 of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933.
§ Mr. REIDasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the London Passenger Transport Board have placed orders for electric trolley vehicles for experimental purposes with the Associated Equipment Company, Limited, without inviting any other British firms to tender; and whether, inasmuch as there are several other companies in Great Britain specialising in the manufacture of electric trolley vehicles, an opportunity will be given to more than one company to supply experimental vehicles and tender for the supply of vehicles required?
Mr. STANLEYI am informed by the London Passenger Transport Board that they have purchased chassis for two experimental trolley vehicles from the Associated Equipment Company. The bodies and electrical equipment will be manufactured by other firms. The inviting of tenders is a matter entirely within the discretion of the board, but I am informed that it is their intention to invite approved firms to tender for the supply of trolley vehicles in the event of the Bill now before Parliament becoming law.